14 October 2009
East Jerusalem
The government of India has announced that it will contribute US$1m to UNRWA’s operations. The decision was conveyed in a letter to UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Karen Abu Zayd, by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor.
'I thank the Minister of State and the Government of India for their generous donation’, said Abu Zayd. 'Coming at a time when UNRWA is marking its 60th anniversary, this contribution signals India’s consistent support for Palestine refugees. It will ensure that the Agency is able to continue its crucial work supporting the human development of Palestine refugees.’
In January 2009, India made a special assistance donation of US$1m to fund relief work in Gaza in response to UNRWA’s flash appeal.
UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The Agency’s core budget for 2010 and 2011 stands at US$1.23billion.
For more information, please contact:
Christopher Gunness
UNRWA Spokesperson
Mobile: +972-(0)54-240-2659
Office: +972-(0)2-589-0267
Sami Mshasha
UNRWA Arabic Spokesperson
Mobile: +972-(0)54-216-8295
Office: +972 (0)2-589-0724
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